June 2023

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

On the Cover

The Woodlands is known for its exciting and colorful aquatic play structures. This month’s cover features an example of a previous play structure that was recently replaced at Cranebrook Pool in the Village of Sterling Ridge. Want to try out the new one? Please see the article on page 5 for the pool schedule and more, and don’t forget your season pass!

Cover photo by Perry Frank

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

Fire Department (non-emergency) 281-367-3444

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 936-442-7797, Non-Emergency, 24 hours

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

COUNTY SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Precinct 2 281-259-6492

Montgomery County Precinct 3 281-367-3977

Montgomery County Precinct 4 281-577-8919

Harris County Precinct 3 713-274-3000

WATER PROVIDERS

Woodlands Water (Montgomery County MUDs) 855-H20-SAVE (855-426-7283)

Harris – Montgomery Counties MUD No. 386 281-290-6500

Emergency 9-1-1

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

Prepare for Hurricane Season Now

With hurricane season underway, now is a good time to make sure you are prepared. Hurricane season begins yearly on June 1 and ends on November 30. Be prepared by following these steps:

• Stock your emergency kit with food, water, batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio and any essential items you might need during a power outage.

• Know your insurance agent to contact them without delay if your home sustains damage.

• Secure flood insurance if needed. To learn more about participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, please visit www.floodsmart.gov.

The Woodlands Township endeavors to provide residents with information during weather-related events. Please bookmark the Emergency page on the Township website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency. Please also subscribe to Township notifications at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme.

Follow Township Social Media Accounts

E www.facebook.com/thewoodlandstownship

D www.twitter.com/thetownshiptx

Q www.instagram.com/thetownshiptx

During an emergency, residents are encouraged to monitor a variety of media and partner agency websites and tune in to radio station KSTAR 99.7 FM for information specific to The Woodlands.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for updates from their county:

• Sign up for AlertMCTX from Montgomery County 9-1-1 by visiting www.mc911.org. Register for Smart911. Go to the App Store or Google Play to sign up for the Montgomery County Community Preparedness App.

• Sign up for emergency notifications from Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network (for Creekside Park) at www.911.org. Important updates are also sent out by Harris County; visit www.readyharris.org and click Sign Up for Alerts.

Brad Bailey Director, Position 1

Richard Franks Treasurer, Position 3

Kyle Watson Vice Chairman, Position 4

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Chairman, Position 6

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Director, Position 5

Linda Nelson Secretary, Position 2

Bob Milner Director, Position 7 Monique Sharp President and CEO

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

The Woodlands Community Magazine is a monthly publication of The Woodlands Township, in partnership with Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. It is printed and distributed free of charge to residents of The Woodlands. The printing and distribution of The Woodlands Community Magazine are supported entirely by advertising revenue. Please patronize the advertisers whenever possible, and tell them you saw their ad in this magazine and appreciate their support.

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/ delivery inquiries may be directed to Champions Printing & Publishing, 6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G, Houston, TX, 77069, 281-583-7661.

Editorial inquiries may be directed to The Woodlands Community Magazine, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX, 77381, telephone 281-210-3800. Editorial deadlines are the 15th of every month, approximately six weeks in advance of publication. The editors reserve all rights to accept or reject any submissions and reserve all rights to edit for clarity and space. The Woodlands Community Magazine is the official information source of The Woodlands Township. Its purpose is to inform Woodlands residents about the activities of the Township and the services provided to them as Woodlands residents. Information from the Township takes precedence over information submitted by any other source.

The Woodlands Community Magazine has earned three Communicator Awards of Distinction, the Bronze Quill Award of Merit from the Houston Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, a Merit Award from The Service Industry Advertising Awards and a Gold MarCom Award.

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executive Jim Callahan

Graphic Designer Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G Houston, Texas 77069 281-583-7661

www.championsprinting.com

AT THE TOWNSHIP POOLS plash into Summer! S

2023 Pool Schedule

HOLIDAYS

All pools open

Independence Day, July 4.................................10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Post-Season pools open

Labor Day, September 5.........................................noon to 6 p.m.

REGULAR SEASON

(May 26 - August 8, 2023)

Alden Bridge, Bear Branch, Cranebrook, Creekwood, Falconwing, Harper’s Landing, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, Sawmill, Wendtwoods* and Windvale

Monday to Saturday..............................................10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Woodlands Township’s 14 pools and five spraygrounds are open now! To see the complete pool schedule and special program options, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ pools and view or download the Summer 2023 Splash Guide.

DAILY ADMISSION

Residents to any Village Pool

Residents to Rob Fleming Aquatic Center (under 48 inches tall)

Residents

Residents

PUNCH CARDS (good for five visits, valid 2023 season only)

Residents only for Village Pools

Residents only for Rob Fleming

Purchasing or renewing your pool pass is easy. Call or visit one of The Woodlands Township’s recreation centers or www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/signupforfun and click Fitness Room and Pool Pass Memberships. For new season passes, pictures must be taken at one of the recreation center locations within one week of purchasing a new pass by phone or online.

Sunday............................................................................................1 to 6 p.m.

*Wendtwoods Pool regular season weekday hours continue through August 11, 2023.

Creekwood, Forestgate, Lakeside and Shadowbend

Monday to Saturday................................................. noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday............................................................................................1 to 6 p.m.

REGULAR SEASON WEEKLY IN-SERVICE DAYS

Closed for safety training, cleaning service and scheduled maintenance.

Mondays

Alden Bridge, Forestgate and Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

Tuesdays

Ridgewood, Sawmill and Windvale

Wednesdays

Bear Branch, Falconwing and Wendtwoods

Thursdays

Cranebrook, Creekwood and Harper’s Landing

Fridays

Lakeside and Shadowbend

POST-SEASON WEEKDAYS (August 9 - September 1, 2023)

Ridgewood Pool

Monday to Friday....................................................................1 to 6 p.m. (Closed Tuesdays)

POST-SEASON WEEKENDS

(August 12 - September 4, 2023)

Cranebrook, Forestgate, Harper ’s Landing, Lakeside, Ridgewood, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, Sawmill, Shadowbend, Wendtwoods

Saturday...............................................................................noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday............................................................................................1 to 6 p.m.

Photo by Perry Frank

Swim into Water Safety Month at the Township Pools

Did you know that June is Water Safety Month in The Woodlands?

Every June, The Woodlands Township Aquatics Division offers an exciting schedule of water safety programming to help parents and children learn how to be safe in, on and around the water. Learning how to swim, staying alert, knowing what to do and how to follow

By Cynthia Roberts

through could be the difference between life and death around the water.

Pool admission is free for all participants and their parents during the Water Safety Events.

Participants can expect to meet water safety mascot Josh the Otter and visit free stations focused on education and mini-swim lessons. Help us break

a Guinness World Record at Rob Fleming Aquatic Center on Thursday, June 22, 2023, for The World’s Largest Swim Lesson! For information about swimming lessons offered by The Woodlands Township, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/actionguide or email aquatics@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Water Safety Events

Monday, June 5, 2023

Wendtwoods Pool from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Alden Bridge Pool from 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Cranebrook Pool from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Shadowbend Pool from 4 to 6 p.m.

Monday, June 19, 2023

Sawmill Pool from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center from 2 to 4 p.m.

Monday, June 26, 2023

Creekwood Pool from 4 to 6 p.m.

As summer approaches, water safety is a top priority. Please join The Woodlands Township at a Water Safety Event this month to ensure that your family is prepared for pool season.

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Bear Branch Pool from 5 to 7 p.m.

Photo by Debbie Arnold

KEEP YOU MOVING

without joint pain

Live life without joint pain.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists in Montgomery County offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes:

• Innovative pain control methods

• Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion

• The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain

936.321.8000

The Woodlands

Conroe

Kingwood

DID YOU KNOW?

Spring Creek Greenway

With miles of hike and bike trails and exposure to native plants and wildlife, the 1,800-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve connects to the adjacent forest known as the Spring Creek Greenway. Spring Creek Greenway is the longest urban-forested corridor in the U.S., extending more than 40 miles.

The George Mitchell Nature Preserve and Spring Creek Greenway can be accessed at the Flintridge Drive Trailhead, near The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park and Texas TreeVentures, an outdoor aerial adventure course.

To learn more about Spring Creek Greenway and Nature Trail, please visit www.bayoulandconservancy.org.

The George Mitchell Nature Preserve connects to Spring Creek Greenway, which is the longest connected trailway in the U.S.

Cul-de-sac Maintenance in The Woodlands

A message from The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Operations Division

One of the unique master plan design features of The Woodlands is the neighborhood cul-de-sac. The Woodlands Township currently maintains 1,333 small cul-de-sac islands and 393 jumbo cul-desac islands/intracts.

Cul-de-sacs smaller than 3,400 square feet are considered small cul-desac islands and receive a minimum of four maintenance visits per year. Small cul-desac islands’ maintenance began March 1, 2023, and will continue into winter. Intracts and jumbo cul-de-sac islands, which are cul-de-sac islands larger than 3,400 square feet, receive 11 maintenance visits per year. The jumbo cul-de-sac islands/intracts maintenance cycle began in early March and will continue into November.

The Township’s maintenance philosophy for cul-de-sacs is to allow the areas to be in harmony with nature, which should allow them to grow and mature into a forested area. Keeping that philosophy in mind, Township crews will maintain those areas to the following standards:

• Mowing and string-trimming all turf

• Stick edging curbs and pathways

• Blowing debris around the perimeter

• Minor litter cleanup

• Pruning street growth up to 14 feet

• Trimming vegetative growth around the mailboxes and light poles

• Removal of dead or hazardous trees/limbs Services not provided include:

• Clearing of vegetation or brush

• Removal of healthy trees

• Maintenance of enhanced landscaping

• Chemical weed or pest control

• Fertilization and irrigation

• Maintenance of hardscapes, decomposed granite or other non-natural surfaces

Some residents desire for these areas to have improved landscaping with groundcovers, exotic shrubs or decomposed granite or a stone pad with a small bench. Projects such as these can be approved by The Woodlands Township by application, but elaborate projects are discouraged. Play

structures, fire pits and basketball goals, among other items, are not permitted for safety and aesthetic reasons. For more information about permissible cul-de-sac island improvements and application forms, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/covenants.

In instances where residents wish to provide supplemental maintenance to their cul-de-sac island between the regular service intervals provided by The Woodlands Township, it’s always a good idea to first check with your neighbors, and to keep the maintenance of the island to the same simple standards that are provided by The Woodlands Township (mowing, edging and blowing the perimeter of the island and minor litter pickup).

Please contact The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Streetscapes Division by calling 281-210-3900 or emailing mkillian@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for questions or concerns about cul-de-sacs and intracts.

Fired-Up Tours

JUNE

Waterway Nights

vehicle. Register your bicycle and visit with Neighborhood Services staff to learn more about public safety in The Woodlands!

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services invites you to stop, drop and roll into your local fire station. Learn more about upcoming National Night Out events and get an up-close look at fire apparatus, rescue units and the fire station where it all happens. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office,

June 3 Station 6, 1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd.

June 10 Station 3, 1522 Sawdust Road

June 17 Station 4, 7900 Bay Branch Drive

June 24 Station 7, 26722 Kuykendahl Road

July 8 Station 1, 9951 Grogan’s Mill Road

Enjoy live music by local and regional performers in the picturesque setting of

Waterway Square at Waterway Nights. Taking place this summer, Waterway Nights makes for an eventful night out in The Woodlands Town Center. Coolers, picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are permitted. Glass is prohibited. All entertainment is weather-dependent and subject to change. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/waterwaynights.

June 3 ................. Mike Donnell (Texas Country)

June 10 Time Warp (80s, 90s & Today’s Hits)

June 17 Yelba (Latin/Variety)

June 24 .......................Amado J. Garcia (Variety)

JULY

4TH OF JULY ∙ THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS

Celebrate America at the annual StarSpangled Salute free concert featuring the Houston Symphony performing a selection of patriotic favorites.

The 1.3-mile parade around The Woodlands features marching bands, fire engines, clowns, floats and more! The theme this year is “America! Our Classroom for Freedom,” with Parade Grand Marshal Dr. Curtis Null, superintendent of Conroe ISD. For more information, please visit www.4thofjulyparade.org.

scheduled from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. with the Fourth of July activities between noon and 4 p.m. Daily fees will apply for residents and non-residents. Entry is free for season pass holders.

Put on your red, white and blue and get a prime viewing spot for the exciting South County Fourth of July Parade.

Each pool will have patriotic decorations, activities and refreshments (while supplies last). The Woodlands Red, Hot & Pool is

Celebrate freedom in The Woodlands with great food, live entertainment and family fun at multiple locations around The Woodlands! The Township’s Red, Hot & Blue event culminates with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Greater Houston area. Enjoy a variety of activities throughout The Woodlands at Town Green Park, Northshore Park, Waterway Square, Hughes Landing and Rob Fleming Park. All sites will feature live music beginning at 6 p.m. with bands playing until the Fireworks Extravaganza at approximately 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Residents are encouraged to sign up for text alerts for important event updates by texting

Alden Bridge

Our June board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. If you are interested in attending our meetings, especially if you have a public comment or concern, you can always send us an email at abvainfo@gmail.com.

We’re extremely proud to announce the winners of our $1,000 scholarships, with one generously sponsored by Kumon for 2023! Please congratulate Abhishek Tripathi and Kaylee Gail, graduating seniors from The Woodlands College Park High School Academy of Science and Technology, who are also outstanding in terms of scholarship and community involvement. Our scholarship selections get more difficult every year because there are so many deserving and well-qualified applicants in our village. Thanks to all who submitted applications and best wishes to all Alden Bridge students graduating this year.

As we have done in previous years, when funds allow, the Alden Bridge Village Association will also be sponsoring a $1,500 scholarship for an unnamed recipient at the Montgomery County Women’s Center.

The Alden Bridge Yard of the Month program is underway. Please look around the village and send your nominations for best front yard in Alden Bridge to abvainfo@gmail.com no later than Wednesday, June 21, 2023, and we will award on July 1, 2023. Nominate your neighbors or yourself. Come on, you know you’ve seen some beautiful front yards in our village!

Are you on our subscription list for our eNewsletter? It is distributed monthly to more than 1,000 households. To subscribe, please send your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com. This information will not be shared and will only be used to send you our monthly eNewsletter. Between eNewsletters,

please check our website at www.aldenbridge.org or “like” the Alden Bridge Village Association page on Facebook for the very latest information.

Enjoy the summer, Alden Bridge!

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

College Park

Hello and welcome SUMMER! Our College Park residents are encouraged to get out and do some of the fun things offered around The Woodlands. Pay attention to our College Park Facebook page. It will help keep you informed of our upcoming events.

June is a very warm month and a wonderful time to enjoy the patios of our restaurants, our village pools and outside sports! And it is also a great time to practice your sunscreen routine when you will be outside for any length of time.

Hurricane season is in full effect, so be prepared. Keep batteries, candles, generators and protective materials ready to use in case of an emergency. Don’t be caught off guard!

In closing, have fun with your families and friends during these summer months! If you would like to attend our College Park board meetings, they are held at the Township office on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Stay safe, healthy and cool.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Grogan's Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Association recently awarded a total of $25,000 in scholarships to 14 Grogan’s Mill residents. Congratulations to all recipients for their outstanding performance.

• Ana Berlioz Moreno

University of Texas Austin

• Rianna Ramos

University of Texas San Antonio

• Gabelo Camiro

The Woodlands College Park High School

• Mikenzie Packer

The Woodlands College Park High School

• Andres Espinola

University of Houston

• Audrey Labbe

The Woodlands College Park High School

• Jonathan Cassidy

The Woodlands College Park High School

• Brynnah Stowell

The Woodlands Christian Academy

• Parker Pogue

Texas A&M

• Sara Rothe

The Woodlands High School

• Zach Hall

Lone Star College

• Edmund Bayot

Lone Star College

• Payton Pogue

Texas A&M

• Liam O’Neill

The Woodlands College Park High School

Scholarships are awarded based on the criteria of financial need, academic excellence, community service and recommendations from counselors, teachers or employers.

Grogan’s Mill Village Association awards scholarships annually, funded by the profits from The Woodlands Farmer’s Market, which is open every Saturday at the Grogan’s Mill Village Center.

Submitted by Pat Goodpastor

Panther Creek

Summer arrives this month and Panther Creek is bursting with things to do. If you haven’t purchased a season pool pass, this a great time to get your passes for the whole family. The Township’s community pools are the place to relax with a good book, soaking

up Vitamin D and letting the kids use up some of that unexpended energy.

Another great place for the kids this summer is Sunny Dayz Camp, which you can learn more about in the Summer 2023 Action Guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ actionguide.

On June 10, 2023, let the kids get a free up-close and personal experience with firefighters and fire trucks from 10 a.m. till noon at the Grogan’s Mill Station #3, 1522 Sawdust Road.

On June 20 and 21, 2023, you can also give a gift of life to others at the Gulf Coast Blood Drives. Please see the article on page 20 for more information about Township blood drives this month.

Free music and festivity will fill Waterway Square at Waterway Nights every Saturday evening in June. Come enjoy this family event.

Fourth of July activities will showcase the South County annual parade with bands, floats and patriotic festivities for the whole family. The annual community reading of the Declaration of Independence will be held upon the steps of our county courthouse in Conroe at noon. This remarkable event has grown in attendance and participation each year since it began. All lovers of American spirit are welcome.

This is also a great time to consider what part you will play in our National Night Out neighborhood celebrations in October. You can host one and/or check with your neighbors if one was hosted on your street last year. The Woodlands provides supplies and a valuable guide to help you foster the “Real Hometown” atmosphere of The Woodlands.

Submitted by

Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

Each year, Sterling Ridge Village Association awards college scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who live within our village. The scholarships recognize and encourage community involvement.

At our May meeting, we were proud to award scholarships to five graduating seniors: Ashley Soucek, Amber McClaugherty, Ramona Mahmoudkhani, Kaelyn Zusi and Brooke McMullen. Congratulations and best of luck to these deserving students!

At our April meeting, the Sterling Ridge board awarded both Cedric Smith Elementary and Coulson Tough Elementary a check of $2,000 for projects and needs at their campuses. We are so thankful for all the sponsors who gave toward our annual BBQ Cookoff and the Golf Scramble. These great events fund the awards for our students and elementary schools.

We will be hosting our First Annual Sterling Ridge Village Association Golf Classic with all proceeds benefiting our village elementary schools and our high school scholarship fund on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at The Woodlands Country Club Gary Player Course. You can find sign-up information and more at www.sterling-ridge.org/sponsorsgolf. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with shotgun starts at 9:30 a.m. Come join the fun!

The Sterling Ridge Village Association meets every first Thursday of the month at the RE/MAX office at 6620 Woodlands Pkwy at 7 p.m. and our residents are always welcome!

Submitted by Robbye Schwarzkopf

A Note-Worthy Experience

IN THE WOODLANDS

By Mary Murphy

Since opening in 1990, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion has enthralled residents and brought visitors from across the nation to The Woodlands.

The Main Stage has welcomed many talented musicians over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Dave Matthews Band.

Thanks to profits from these performances and generous donations from supporters, The Pavilion also offers free performances featuring The Houston Symphony Orchestra and Houston Ballet, along with educational opportunities like Mini Maestros and Fine Arts Education Days. Between 50 to 65 events, ranging from popular to classical music and arts performances, are presented by The

Pavilion each year. This diverse offering of performing arts shows that was once dreamed of by Cynthia Woods Mitchell, wife of The Woodlands’ founder, George Mitchell, has become a thriving reality enjoyed by many. The Pavilion and its exceptional arts programs are cherished by residents and have become a mustexperience attraction for visitors.

“It is going to be a great season filled with a variety of exciting performances and family-friendly arts programming,” said Cameron Klepac, Director of Marketing and Education at

5

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and Director for Visit The Woodlands.

“The Pavilion continues to be a premiere stop for touring artists and we are thrilled about the wide range of top-quality entertainment that will be gracing our Main Stage over the next several months. Our Board, staff and volunteers look forward to welcoming thousands of guests from near and far to share in the excitement of this season.”

This year’s season has just begun. Will we see you there?

The Music of Elvis with The Houston Symphony

JUNE 14, 2023

Outlaw Music Festival: Willie Nelson & Family

JULY 2, 2023

Cirque de la Symphonie

July 20, 2023

ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd

JULY 30, 2023

Snoop Dog and Wiz Khalifa AUGUST 18, 2023

Photos courtesy of Visit The Woodlands

Scan the QR code and explore more live music in The Woodlands.

Scan the QR code and see the complete 2023 concert lineup.

Photo courtesy of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion FREE

Keep The Woodlands Beautiful

By Teri MacArthur

Want to take action to help keep our community green, clean and beautiful for all? Volunteer with The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department! Several programs and projects offered by Township Environmental Services are part of our affiliation with Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a Texas program dedicated to addressing beautification, litter prevention and recycling. Your help at our annual litter cleanup and recycling events helped Keep The Woodlands Beautiful, as the local affiliate, earn gold status with KTB this year.

There are many great volunteer opportunities with Township Environmental Services that contribute to preserving our state’s natural beauty. Help clean the community of litter at the annual GreenUp event each March, or wrangle recycle items at the 3R Recycling Drive-Thru, to support our mission to Keep The Woodlands Beautiful.

Other programs and projects offered to volunteers:

• Join others in expanding pollinator and bird habitat by planting native perennials in our community’s green spaces and parks.

• Help monitor and remove invasive vegetation from our pathways and green spaces as a member of the Invasives Task Force.

• Install markers on storm drain inlets to raise awareness about water quality issues while volunteering with the Watershed Project.

Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or mobile device to help lend a hand to Keep The Woodlands Beautiful.

Volunteers

Save Lives by Giving Blood

By Cindy Strawn

The Woodlands Township will host two blood drives this month. Blood donations are always needed and provide a life-saving resource to the sick and injured in our community. Please scan the QR codes below to schedule your donation time, and follow the tips below to help ensure your experience is safe and successful. Please remember to bring your identification with you on donation day.

Please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services at 281-210-3800 or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for information.

DO hydrate by drinking plenty of water.

DO eat a healthy iron-rich meal.

DON'T drink alcohol.

DON'T eat fatty foods.

DON'T take aspirin before donating platelets.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023 • 1 to 7 p.m.

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389 at the Donor Coach

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 • 12:30 to 5 p.m.

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381 at the Donor Coach

Protect Yourself with Operation I.D.

By Cindy Strawn

TheWoodlands Township’s Operation Identification Program is a resident participation initiative to protect your valuables at home and at work. This program includes the simple steps of engraving an identifying number on valuables in case of theft and recording the serial number of all items in a safe place. Engravers are available from The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services at no charge.

Please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services at 281-210-3800 or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for more information.

What do I need to participate in Operation I.D.?

• An engraver kit from The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services

• A place to record objects’ serial numbers

Why does Operation I.D. work?

• Texas pawn shops are instructed not to buy marked property without identification, making it difficult for burglars to re-sell stolen property.

• If the burglar is caught, marked property is solid evidence of possession of stolen property.

• Often the presence of the Operation I.D. sticker alone is enough to deter a burglar.

• If recovered, you can easily identify your marked possessions.

How do I participate in Operation I.D.?

• Call 281-210-3800 to reserve your kit. Engrave all large valuables, such as electronics, with the last four digits of your driver’s license number. (EX: TX5678)

• List all serial numbers of your large valuables on the form provided.

• Take a photograph of all your small valuables, such as jewelry, and include them with the list in a safe place.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Vacation Watch Offers Peace of Mind for Your Summer Travel

Summer is here! Going on vacation? Pack a sense of security when you go by utilizing the Vacation Watch program offered by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 (in the Village of Creekside Park). With this program, law enforcement deputies will periodically drive by your home, check that it is secure and investigate anything on your property that appears to be suspicious. If anything is found out of the ordinary, you and/or your emergency contact will be notified. Please note, the frequency of home checks is dependent upon call volume in the area. Active calls for service will take precedent.

To sign up, all you need to do is visit your local law enforcement agency online and complete a questionnaire.

Montgomery County Residents www.mctxsheriff.org

Click on Community, then Vacation Watch, then click on Submit Vacation Watch Form or call 936-760-5800.

Harris County Residents (Village of Creekside Park) www.constablepct4.com

Click on Community Involvement,

By Kristin Pternitis

Services Offered, then on Vacation Watch Request. Choose Creekside from the dropdown menu or call 281-376-3472.

By signing up for Vacation Watch, you can relax knowing that someone is checking your home daily. It is also important to take additional steps to make sure your home appears occupied while you are away. Below are some additional tips to protect your home.

• Inform a trusted neighbor of your travel plans and how you can be reached in case of an emergency. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or friend. Ask that the house be checked periodically.

• Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat or flowerpot.

• Set your alarm and check locks on all doors and windows.

• Install a timer on indoor lights so that the house appears occupied. Consider motion sensor lights outside if you do not already have them.

• If you have not suspended delivery, arrange with a trusted neighbor to pick up newspapers, fliers and packages.

• Store all valuables out of sight.

• Remove all valuables including the garage door remote from your car.

• Ensure that the lawn is maintained in your absence.

• Limit who you inform of your travel plans and do not announce your vacation plans on social media.

• Do not leave ladders and tools accessible for someone to use to gain access to your home.

• Make sure that trash and recycle cans are put away after pickup.

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch encourages you to watch out for neighbors and report suspicious activity. Please call: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 936-442-7797, Option #3

Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 – 281-376-3472

To learn more about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, please follow the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ TownshipNeighborhoodWatch or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch.

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with BioBlitz

By Kat Christensen

The Woodlands Township is hosting a weeklong “BioBlitz,” a community effort to identify as many local species as possible during National Pollinator Week, June 19 through 25, 2023. This effort is a fun, informal opportunity for the public to learn together and share their enthusiasm for nature.

National Pollinator Week brings attention to the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. Created by Pollinator.org, this worldwide celebration is also a call to action to save bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles. The Woodlands Township BioBlitz culminates in an in-person BioBooth on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park from 8 to 11 a.m.

The iNaturalist app makes collecting photographs and biological information about living things easy and adds vital information about local species to the BioBlitz. The data collected through iNaturalist becomes part of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, an open-source database used by scientists and policy makers around the world. Anyone, regardless of age, skill or knowledge, can participate in this community-wide event.

How You Can Participate in BioBlitz 2023

• Download the iNaturalist app from the app store onto your phone or tablet.

• Familiarize yourself with the app by watching a tutorial or diving right into taking photos of critters, insects or plants, and uploading them via the iNaturalist app.

• Join our iNaturalist project by searching “The Woodlands Township BioBlitz 2023” under projects in the search bar.

• Get outside and explore! Take photos and upload them to our project.

• Have fun learning and identifying new things.

• Join us at the BioBooth on Saturday, June 24, 2023, to ask questions of the experts and peruse our display of biological wonders.

All observations made during National Pollinator Week will be tallied and results shared with our community. You can make as many observations as you would like and from any area you wish. Whether you make one observation or a thousand, you’ll have fun being outdoors, contributing to important scientific efforts including pollinator conservation, and you’re sure to learn something new.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Supporting Breast and Ovarian Health in Montgomery County

Friday September 15, 2023 The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

“The funds we raise stay right here in Montgomery County to support our neighbors in their fight against cancer.”

Debra Cooper, 2022 In the Pink of Health co-chair

For more information, please visit inthepinkofhealth.org or email inthepink@memorialhermann.org.

FREE EVENT FOR ALL-AGES

Join us for the in-person BioBooth

Saturday, June 24, 2023, 8 to 11 a.m.

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

Take a look at the display of biological wonders and look through the microscope to see butterflies and their host plants up close. Experts will be on hand to help with iNaturalist observations and answer any questions on local insects, plants, birds, mushrooms and more.

Important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the nonexclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. For more information, please call 281-210-3800. Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information. Copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2023. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.

Interpreting Your Water Quality Report

By Victoria Fluellen, Woodlands Water

The Woodlands Water Agency strives to provide the highest quality drinking water and to keep our community informed about all aspects of its water supply. One way we do that is through an annual Water Quality Report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

Your Water Quality Report, released every July, provides in-depth information on the quality of your drinking water. You’ll find a list of regulated contaminants, a summary of any risk contaminations and their potential health effects. A contaminant is anything found in water other than water molecules. Many contaminants occur naturally in the environment and have no effect on health or safety. Others, such as chlorine or chloramine, are purposely added to improve water quality by disinfecting. Some contaminants pose safety risks, like E. coli or Cryptosporidium.

Regulations set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limit the amount of each contaminant allowed in the water supply to ensure that your water is safe to drink. When a contaminant level is higher than EPA regulations, it will be listed as a violation under the ‘In Compliance’ column.

We are pleased that in 2023, our water quality continues to meet or exceed all state and federal requirements. Water Quality Reports will be mailed to each household in July and you can find them on The Woodlands Water website, www.woodlandswater.org/information.

For any questions regarding your Water Quality Report or water quality in general, please contact Woodlands Water at 855-H2O-SAVE or at information@woodlandswater.org.

FIREWORKS PROHIBITED in The Woodlands Neighborhoods

The Woodlands Township Fire Department reminds all residents that The Woodlands Covenants strictly prohibit the sale or use of fireworks and sparklers of any kind in The Woodlands neighborhoods and parks. The Woodlands is situated in a beautiful forest, and with dry weather conditions and so many trees, one errant spark could severely damage our hometown. Do not put your own property and safety, or that of your friends and neighbors, at risk.

Bug Off!

Prevent Mosquito Bites Before They Happen

Mosquitoes use a highly tuned sensory system to zero in on their next victim, including visual cues, carbon dioxide detection, human scents, body heat and non-volatiles. As the summer approaches, The Woodlands Township encourages you to implement the following steps to prevent mosquito bites and the potential illnesses they transmit. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/MosquitoInfo or contact Township Environmental Services at enviro@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. The following are tips on how to fight the bite:

Cover up. Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.

Use Cloaking Spray (repellent). Use one of four recommended active ingredients, based upon what is appropriate for you or your child:

IR3535: Repels ticks and mosquitoes, for children over two months of age

Deet: Repels ticks and mosquitoes, for children over two months of age

Picaridin: Repels mosquitoes, for children over two months of age

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Repels mosquitoes, for children over three years of age

When Using Repellent. The more you cover up, the less repellent you need. Read the directions for use and reapply as needed and wash off after returning indoors.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or mobile device to learn more about mosquitoes and how you can protect yourself this summer.